Use of soluble fgl2 as an immunosuppressant

Abstract

Methods and compositions for inducing immune suppression are disclosed. The methods involve administering an effective amount of a soluble fgl2 protein or a nucleic acid encoding a soluble fgl2 protein. The methods are useful in preventing graft rejection, autoimmune disease, and allergies.

1. A method of suppressing an immune response to a transplanted organ or tissue in an animal comprising administering an effective amount of a soluble fgl2/fibroleukin protein consisting of the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:2, wherein the organ or tissue is an allograft. 
     
     
       2. A method according to  claim 1  to inhibit dendritic cell maturation. 
     
     
       3. A method according to  claim 1  to promote a Th2 cytokine response. 
     
     
       4. The method according to  claim 1  wherein the transplanted organ or tissue is selected from the group consisting of heart, liver, kidney, lung, pancreas, pancreatic islets, brain tissue, cornea, bone, intestine, skin and haematopoietic cells. 
     
     
       5. The method according to  claim 4  wherein the tissue or organ is skin. 
     
     
       6. The method according to  claim 1  wherein the animal is a human.